Everyone has experienced bad odour in their washing machines at some point. It’s one of the most common washing machine complaints we get from Brisbane homeowners, and the good news is that in most cases, it’s entirely fixable.
Brisbane’s warm, humid climate makes mould and mildew growth inside washing machines much more likely than in cooler, drier parts of Australia. Understanding why it happens is the first step to getting rid of it for good.
What’s Actually Causing That Mouldy Smell?
The smell is a sign that mould, mildew, or bacteria have developed somewhere inside your machine. Here are the most common culprits:
Residual moisture trapped inside the drum.
Every time you run a wash cycle, water gets everywhere inside the machine. If the door or lid is closed immediately after a cycle finishes, that moisture has nowhere to go and leads to the growth of mould.
Detergent and fabric softener buildup.
Many Brisbane households use more detergent than their machine actually needs, especially with front-loaders which are designed for low-suds formulas. The excess detergent doesn’t rinse away properly and builds up in the drum, the seal, and the dispenser drawer. This residue is a food source for mould and bacteria.
The door seal on front-loader machines.
The rubber gasket around the door of a front-loading washing machine is notorious for trapping moisture, lint, hair, and detergent residue. In Brisbane’s humidity, this seal can develop black mould within weeks if it’s not regularly cleaned and dried.
The detergent dispenser drawer.
This little drawer is one of the most neglected parts of any washing machine. Detergent and softener build up inside the compartments and get extremely mouldy if not cleaned regularly.
Low-temperature wash cycles.
Modern washing machines are energy-efficient and many households default to cold washes, which is perfectly fine for most laundry. However, cold water doesn’t kill bacteria and mould the way hot water does. If your machine only ever runs on cold cycles, you’re more likely to build up biological residue over time.
Infrequent use.
Machines that sit unused for extended periods while still holding residual moisture are particularly prone to mould development.
Front-Loaders vs Top-Loaders: Which Is Worse for Mould?
Front-loading washing machines are significantly more prone to mould problems than top-loaders. The sealed door and horizontal drum design mean moisture is more easily trapped, particularly in the door gasket.
This doesn’t mean top-loaders are immune, they can absolutely develop mould issues too, particularly around the drum rim and the agitator, but front-loaders require more active maintenance to stay fresh.
If you have a front-loader in Brisbane, regular maintenance isn’t optional. It’s essential.
How to Fix a Smelly Washing Machine: Step by Step
Before calling a technician, try these steps. In many cases they’ll solve the problem completely.
Step 1: Clean the door seal thoroughly.
Pull back the rubber gasket on the door and inspect the inner folds. This is where mould loves to hide. Wipe it down thoroughly with a cloth dampened with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water, or a dedicated washing machine cleaner. Get into all the folds. Remove any visible black mould growth.
Step 2: Clean the detergent drawer.
Remove the drawer completely (most pull straight out) and soak it in warm soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub out all the compartments and the housing where the drawer sits. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before replacing.
Step 3: Run a hot cleaning cycle.
Most modern washing machines have a dedicated drum clean or self-clean cycle. Use this with either a commercial washing machine cleaner, two cups of white vinegar, or a half cup of bicarb soda. If your machine doesn’t have a clean cycle, run the hottest wash cycle available with no laundry in it.
Step 4: Clean the filter.
Front-loaders have a pump filter, usually behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. This filter traps lint, hair, coins, and other debris. A clogged, dirty filter contributes to odours and can also cause drainage problems. Clean it out every few months.
Step 5: Leave the door open after every wash.
This is the single most effective habit change you can make. After each cycle, leave the door or lid open for at least an hour to air out the drum. It sounds simple because it is.
Prevention: Keeping Your Brisbane Washing Machine Fresh Long-Term
Once you’ve sorted the immediate problem, here’s how to stop it coming back:
- Always use the correct type and quantity of detergent for your machine (check the manual; most front-loaders need far less than you think)
- Choose a low-suds or high-efficiency (HE) detergent for front-loaders
- Run a hot maintenance cycle at least once a month
- Wipe the door seal dry after each wash, especially in the warmer months
- Remove laundry from the drum as soon as the cycle finishes; damp clothes sitting in a closed drum contribute to odour
- Keep the detergent drawer slightly ajar between washes to allow it to dry out
- Clean the filter every two to three months
When the Smell Is a Sign of a Bigger Problem
Sometimes the mouldy smell is more than a maintenance issue. It can indicate something more serious:
- A blocked or failing drain pump that isn’t clearing water from the drum properly
- A faulty door seal that needs replacing rather than just cleaning
- A drainage hose that has developed a blockage or is incorrectly installed
- A drum bearing issue causing water to pool in places it shouldn’t
If you’ve cleaned everything thoroughly and the smell returns quickly, or if you notice your machine isn’t draining properly, leaving water in the drum, or making unusual noises during the spin cycle, it’s time to get a qualified technician to have a look.
These issues don’t fix themselves, and ignoring them can lead to more significant (and more expensive) mechanical failures down the track.
Brisbane’s Climate Makes This Worse, Here’s Why
Brisbane’s subtropical climate means higher ambient humidity year-round compared to southern Australian cities. Between October and March in particular, humidity levels regularly exceed 70 to 80 percent, which dramatically accelerates mould growth in any enclosed, moist environment.
This is why the maintenance habits that might let a Melburnian get away with cleaning their machine every few months simply won’t cut it for most Brisbane households. During our humid summer months, a front-loader seal can develop visible mould growth within just two to three weeks of neglect.
It’s not a reflection of how clean your home is. It’s just the climate we live in.
Still Dealing With a Persistent Washing Machine Smell in Brisbane?
If you’ve cleaned the machine thoroughly and the problem keeps coming back, something mechanical may be going on. Don’t keep putting up with musty laundry or an appliance that isn’t performing the way it should.
The team at Ideal Refrigeration & Appliance Services are experienced washing machine repair specialists serving Brisbane homeowners. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and give you an honest, upfront quote. Same-day service is available, and after-hours repairs can be arranged when you need us most.
Call us on 0428 149 923 or book online at Ideal Refrigeration to get your machines smelling fresh again.
FAQs: Smelly Washing Machines in Brisbane
Why do my clothes smell musty even after washing?
This is usually caused by mould or bacteria inside the drum or the door seal transferring onto your laundry during the wash cycle. Deep clean the machine and run a hot cycle before doing another load of laundry.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, diluted bleach can be effective for killing mould inside the drum and on the door seal. Be careful around the rubber seal as prolonged or concentrated bleach exposure can degrade it over time. Vinegar or a dedicated washing machine cleaner is generally safer for regular use.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
In Brisbane’s climate, a hot cleaning cycle once a month is ideal. The door seal and detergent drawer should be wiped down weekly if possible, especially through summer.
My machine is brand new and already smells. What’s going on?
New machines occasionally have a slight odour from the manufacturing process, which usually clears after a few cycles. If the smell is distinctly mouldy or sewage-like from early on, it could indicate an installation issue with the drain hose. Get a technician to check the installation.
Will a mould smell go away on its own?
No. Mould doesn’t self-resolve, it continues to grow until the conditions that support it are removed. You need to actively clean the machine and change the habits that allowed it to develop.
The smell is definitely coming from inside the drum but I can’t see any mould. What’s happening?
Bacteria can often produce strong odours without visible mould growth. The drum may also have residue buildup that isn’t visible. A hot cleaning cycle with a dedicated cleaner will address this issue.
